What does Japanese manicure mean?
Japanese manicure is a whole ritual that combines nail care and restoration. It has become very popular due to its focus on naturalness and health, rather than just aesthetic appearance. The main goal of a Japanese manicure is to restore the natural shine of the nail plate and strengthen it without the use of aggressive chemicals.
This manicure differs from traditional procedures in that it does not use varnish or gel polish. Instead, the Japanese manicure uses natural waxes, oils, and nourishing creams that not only care for the surface of the nail but also penetrate deep into its structure. As a result, the nail plate becomes shiny, smooth, and healthy-looking, without the need for a decorative coating.
Types of Japanese manicure
There are several types of Japanese manicure that differ in the products used during the procedure and the method of their application. Let's have a closer look at each of them.
Classic Japanese manicure
This is a traditional procedure that uses vegetable oils, vitamins, and rice flour. This option is suitable for all types of nails, strengthens them, stimulates growth, and gives a healthy, natural look.
Manicure with mineral salts
This option uses mineral salts contained in seaweed. This manicure strengthens and heals the nail plate, providing it with additional nutrition and moisturizing. This option is recommended for those who want to restore weak or damaged nails.
Silk manicure
For this type of manicure, natural silk is used. This coating strengthens the nails and protects them from damage, as well as makes the surface smooth and naturally shiny.
Powder oriental manicure
This variant uses powders based on natural ingredients that create a matte, velvety effect on the nails. Such a manicure not only strengthens the plate, but also hides minor imperfections, such as cracks or bumps.
Glass manicure
When performing this manicure, a special gel polish is used. After applying it, the nails become smooth, shiny, and their surface resembles glass. This is one of the most popular types of Japanese manicure because it adds elegance and shine to the nails while maintaining their natural appearance.
Artistic Japanese manicure
For those who want to take care of nail health but do not like brevity and simplicity, there is an artistic version of Japanese manicure. It involves the use of various drawing and decorating techniques: geometric shapes, graceful lines, matte and glossy textures, rhinestones, and stickers.
Why Japanese manicure is useful
Japanese manicure is a procedure that focuses not only on the appearance of nails but also on their health. But what are its benefits? Let's have a look at the main advantages of Japanese manicure:
- Strengthening. The use of natural oils, waxes, minerals, and vitamins improves the structure of nails, makes them stronger and more resistant, and reduces the risk of splitting.
- Nourishment. The procedure helps to restore moisture balance and works to nourish the nail plate from the inside.
- Restoration. Japanese manicure helps to restore the damaged nail plate after extension, gel polish, or chemical procedures.
- Disease prevention. Thanks to the vitamins, minerals, and special oils used during the procedure, Japanese manicure prevents problems such as dryness, cracks, and delamination.
- Environmental friendliness and naturalness. All the ingredients used in Japanese manicure are natural and do not contain aggressive chemicals, which is especially important for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Japanese manicure is an ideal option for those who appreciate natural beauty and take care of their nails.
What a Japanese manicure looks like
Japanese care is a manicure without unnecessary decorations and bright accents, because its main goal is to emphasize the natural beauty of nails. After the procedure, they look healthy, smooth, and naturally shiny. It's minimalism at its best — stylish, neat, and completely natural.

How to do a Japanese manicure
Now let's talk about how to do a Japanese manicure. There are two main techniques for its implementation — Masura and Pshine. They have a similar principle but differ in the set of tools and certain details. The main thing in both methods is the rejection of metal tools so as not to damage the nails. All that is used are soft balsa wood files, natural suede buffs, and orange wood sticks.
Japanese manicure lasts from 30 minutes to one hour and includes six main stages:
Diagnosis
First, the nail technician assesses the condition of the nails and skin on the hands, paying attention to microcracks, delamination, and other problems to understand what to focus on.
SPA and massage
If a Japanese manicure is done using the Masura technique, the nail technician performs a hand massage using natural oils. Pshine uses steaming hands in a bath and light massage instead.
Cuticle treatment
First, the nail technician moisturizes the cuticle with oils, for example, jojoba oil. After that, rough skin is removed with a gentle scrub.
Strengthening and protection
Special products with calcium, see minerals, and plant extracts are applied to the nails. After that, they are covered with silicon powder to protect them from damage and prolong the effect of the procedure.
Polishing
With the help of wooden and suede buffers, nails are given shine and smoothness. In the Masura technique, they are covered with Ni paste and pearl powder, and in Pshine, diatomaceous earth and beeswax are used to form a protective film.
Prevention and relaxation
Finally, to improve blood circulation, the skin around the nail is massaged with special bags containing hot or cold sand. Then the hands are moisturized with therapeutic serums containing ylang-ylang, jasmine, or citrus extracts.
Japanese manicure at home
Although Japanese manicure is a salon procedure, it can also be performed at home. But it is important to understand that in order to achieve a high-quality result, you need to perform all the stages in turn and correctly. The final result will depend on how accurately you follow the procedure.
Also, to perform a Japanese manicure, you cannot do without specialized tools and instruments. To achieve the best effect, it is worth using a professional set that includes everything you need to complete each stage, from cuticle treatment to final polishing.
What you need for a Japanese manicure
It is impossible to do a Japanese manicure without special tools and products. If you want to perform this procedure at home, you will need a professional set. It usually includes:
- Cuticle remover with minerals — gently removes rough skin.
- Orange wood stick — for gentle cuticle treatment and pushing back the cuticle.
- Balsa wood file — to shape the nails perfectly.
- Microfiber buffer — for rubbing in polishing paste.
- Buffer made of natural suede — for applying mineral powder.
- Polishing paste — to give the nails a natural shine.
- Mineral powder — to create a protective film on the surface of the nail plate.
- Special cream or wax for finishing — to fix the result and protect against damage.
- Nourishing oils and creams — to moisturize and nourish the nail plate and the surrounding skin.
Japanese manicure is a trend that wins the hearts of everyone who loves naturalness and minimalism. It combines oriental traditions and modern innovations, giving your nails natural shine, health, and strength. If you want to forget about brittleness and dullness, Japanese manicure is what you need! Its popularity is growing every year, because naturalness is in fashion more than ever.